Spokane7
48°
April 2, 2010 in City
Liquor limits expanded
Law allows distilleries in state to make 60,000 gallons a year
OLYMPIA – Small distilleries will be able to produce more liquor under a new law that triples their maximum capacity to 60,000 gallons.
The law, signed Thursday by Gov. Chris Gregoire, is a reflection of the fast growth of Spokane’s “craft” distillery, Dry Fly, which was the first such operation in Washington since Prohibition when it was set up in 2007.
The original limit for craft distilleries of 20,000 gallons was essentially a guess, Dry Fly co-owner Don Poffenroth said Thursday. The Spokane distillery is about three-fourths of the way to hitting that original limit and wants some room to expand, although it probably won’t reach the new limit.
“I don’t think so, but I also never thought we’d grow this fast,” he said. But the higher limit is becoming a national standard, and the new law also allows distilleries to make liquor for a private customer from his or her own grain, without that counting against the 60,000 gallon limit.
Two other craft distilleries are selling liquor in Washington, a third is in production and 10 have received licenses while 16 more have license applications pending. But Dry Fly remains the largest operation.
Gregoire paused before signing the bill, looked at its sponsor Sen. Chris Marr, D-Spokane, and asked: “Where are my samples?”
Replied Marr: “I tried to stop by a state liquor store and it wasn’t open at 10 in the morning.”
Even if the store had been open, he would not have been able to buy any of Dry Fly’s wheat whiskey, he added. That product is in such limited supply it usually sells out the day it’s released.
Romney/Paul split weighing on county GOP 
liarsinnews on April 02 at 6:43 a.m.
That`s just what we need, Marr. More booze. I suppose next Marr will entertain a bill to sell the liquor at WSU.
JBlim on April 02 at 7:00 a.m.
Leave it to a confused Republican to criticize loosening government restrictions . . .
misjustice on April 02 at 7:40 a.m.
And to object to the likelihood of additional revenue that would be generated by increased sales!
Ninch on April 02 at 8:33 a.m.
Dry Fly ain’t cheap booze so unlikely that it will contribute to overdrinking. This distillery is akin to craftsmanship rather than other alcohol manufactures who sell in huge volumes.
liarsinnews on April 02 at 1:58 p.m.
JBlim: I can`t stand republican elected officials, you twit. And I can`t stand democrats that are elected in the name of being for the little guy, like Marr who was the lead cheerleader for the owners of River Park Square parking garage. And BTW, ask mothers against drunk drivers rather than point a finger about government restrictions re booze.
JBlim on April 02 at 6:45 p.m.
well, dick, other than that you don’t like anything Chris Marr does, what’s wrong with loosing up the limit for craft distilleries?
Also, do you deny being a registered Republican?
liarsinnews on April 02 at 7:47 p.m.
For the record, I am not a registered Republican. PERIOD. Your source re even asking the question if I`m a republican is a idiot.
misjustice on April 02 at 7:52 p.m.
Are you now, or have you ever been, a member of the republican’t party?
misjustice on April 02 at 8:10 p.m.
Probably doesn’t even vote; just ‘vetches. My guess anyways!
LMYAO! ; )
JBlim on April 02 at 9:48 p.m.
still, dick, you haven’t said what’s wrong with loosing up the limit for craft distilleries?
liarsinnews on April 02 at 10:26 p.m.
I suppose there is nothing wrong with loosing up. BTW, you missed my point in the first place. I guess because I`m privy to the method used to have the bill introduced irks me more than anything, notwithstanding, my main point.